Chapman Taylor’s Michael Swiszczowski and Catalina Ionita join ARL’s design committee

We are proud to announce that Michael Swiszczowski, Director, and Dr. Catalina Ionita, Senior Architect, have been appointed as Special Design Advisors to the Association for Rental Living (ARL) Design Committee.

The ARL represents professionally managed, institutionally backed rental sectors across the UK, including Build-to-Rent (BtR), co-living, urban and suburban single-family rental, and later living. Michael’s and Catalina’s appointment reflects their expertise, leadership, and influence in shaping the future of rental living design.

Driving Innovation in the Rental Sector

As Special Advisors, Michael and Catalina will work alongside fellow committee members and the ARL team to:

🏡 Provide industry insights that support the evolution of rental housing models
🔎 Address key design challenges in co-living and BtR developments
📖 Develop resources and guidance to help members navigate an ever-changing market

At Chapman Taylor, we believe that thriving rental communities go beyond high-quality homes - they create vibrant, engaging places where people genuinely want to live, work, and connect. With their expertise in urban activation, placemaking, and sustainable mixed-use developments, Michael and Catalina will play a key role in shaping best practices that actively promote the long-term success of rental living. We look forward to their contributions in driving meaningful change and developing successful community-focused environments within the sector.

Congratulations to both on this exciting new role!

Michael Swiszczowski (BA(Hons), MArch, ADPPA, ARB, RIBA)

Director, UK

Michael joined Chapman Taylor in 2016 to strengthen the practice’s residential expertise. He joined the UK Board in 2022 and continues to take an active role in developing the practice’s residential and hospitality sectors across the UK business.

He has experience working on award-winning residential projects, with a particular focus on Build-to-Rent, student accommodation, hotels, serviced apartments and modular construction.

Michael is a regular speaker at residential and property conferences where he articulates Chapman Taylor’s design approach and skill sets. He is also a RIBA-elected member of the Regional Council for RIBA North West.

Areas of expertise:

Residential / Build-to-Rent / Student Accommodation / Hotels

Dr Catalina Ionita (BA(Hons) MArch ARB RIBA AFHEA)

Senior Architect, UK

Catalina joined the Manchester studio in 2021 as an Architect supporting the Feasibility team. She brings a passion for successful placemaking to her work in the residential and mixed-use sectors.

She has experience working on a wide range of projects at all work stages, including large residential developments, masterplans, offices, and listed building restorations.

Cat is also a Women in Property North West committee member with a strategic role as Inclusion Champion. For one day a week, she teaches a Masters of Architecture and Urban Design course at the Manchester School of Architecture.

In 2024, she completed a PhD in Urban Activation and Placemaking from Sheffield Hallam University.

Areas of expertise:

Placemaking / Residential / Mixed-Use /Research

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